ALGIE, aPj'e (Lat. nom. pl. of alga, seaweed). A group of chlorophyll-bearing or colored tballo phytes containing the lowest forms of plant life. The alg:c are contrasted with the fungi, which latter are devoid of chlorophyll. There is an obvious relationship between the algae and the fungi (q.v.). the latter probably having been derived from the former. Consequently, a per fectly natural classification should combine both groups; but botanists are hardly ready at this time to attempt so difficult a problem. Although the fungi have come from algal ancestry, they have undoubtedly been derived from two or more widely separated regions of the alga. Thus, the Bacteria (Sehizoniyeetes) have probably come from the lowly Blue-green Alpo (Cyanophycor), while the Phycomycetes (molds of various kinds) have their origin from much higher levels. It follows, therefore, that the Fungi contain sev eral groups with no generic relation except through a roundabout algal ancestry. Conse quently the division of the Thallophytes into the Alpe and Fungi is largely a classification of con venience, based the physiological character of the presence or absence of chlorophyll (green pigment) or of pigments related to chlorophyll.
Cr.assmacanox. The Alga are readily divid ed into four groups, which have the rank of classes: viz., the Blue-green Alga' (ryanophy cew), Green Alga' (Ch/orophyccai), Brown Algie (Plurophyrew), and Red Alga! ( . Under the scientific names there will be found accounts of their general habits and most strik ing characteristics. From the names of these classes one might imagine that the groups are distinguished by color marks; but in reality fundamental morphological characters form the basis of the classification. Although it is con venient to think of the Alga' as distinguished by their color, there are many exceptions to the rule, ant color should never be regarded as the foundation of the chissifleation.